* Cause and timing... snow will develop late Saturday afternoon and become heavy at times Saturday night into midday Sunday. Snowfall will gradually taper off to flurries and snow showers by late Sunday afternoon.

* Snow accumulation... 12 to 18 inches... with the highest amounts on west facing slopes of the Sawatch Range.

* Wind... west 20 to 30 mph with occasional gusts to 50 mph.

* Impact... the combination of heavy snow and blowing snow will create very low visibility... especially above timberline. Roads over High Mountain passes... including Fremont Pass... Monarch Pass and Tennessee Pass will become snowpacked and hazardous... with very difficult travel conditions possible.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significantsnow accumulation that may impact travel. Continue to monitor thelatest forecasts.